Hello all im after a simple question answered if its at all possible and maybe a little direction on how its acheived.
I have an old galaxy s4 GT-i9505 with a broken screen running as a makeshift android tv.
Its plugged directly into a TV through mhl and serves its purpose very well.
Its mainly used for Netflix/Kodi or any other Tv catchup type app.
Its currently being controlled a number of ways, mainly with a amazon firestick Bluetooth remote, (s4 runs much better than a stick BTW) but certain apps (Netflix, various tv apps) dont recognise the centre button.
However this isnt an issue as I have different methods to control apps that dont use my remote too well (droidmote).
What my main question is, when installing an app say Netflix on an android phone how can I get the app to think its being installed onto an android tv device like FireTV,firestick,nexus, or any generic android tv box?
Is there a way to modify my rom to enable fooling detection of Android tv?
If this is not possible is there any android tv rom I might be able to use on the gt-i9505?
Last question Id like answered, is there anyway I can map the buttons on my Bluetooth remote to ger the centre button working?
I would be very grateful if any devs who may read this help out by letting me know if any of this is possible, ive exhausted Google search but came up with nothing.
Thanks alot.
Just to add to this, am I able to use gapps for Android tv? Or should I use the micro option?
Again really appreciate any help or pointers.
+1
I've been hunting for an android box for over two months now. I never considered the Nvidia Shield because it comes with Android TV instead of regular Android. But I couldn't help not being enamored by the performance it offers. What I want is an Android box I can connect to my TV that will allow me to (1) run kodi (2) stream from an IPTV app (3) run emulators. I was about to pull the trigger on Minix U9, but the Tegra processor just sh*ts on everything out there. Today, I learned that I could actually run Android OS (Nougat) on the Shield. Why would anyone buy a Minix U9 for $160 when a much more powerful Shield goes for mere $40 extra ? I felt it was too good to be true. So, I'm here asking those of you that are running full Android on the Shield, is the full Android firmware stable in the sense that it's not just rife with bugs, and do I lose the ability to stream Netflix in 4k ?
After buying and configuring a few Android TV boxes, I decided on a Shield that would do 99% of what I want in a Android TV box that I would not have to root, etc. I found that the leanback launcher was less than desirable, the lack of Notification/Tool bars, Shield only apps on Playstore and some other annoying issues, I installed the developers copy of Shield TV (5.0.2) and found no way to have Notifications, etc. I have since installed full Android 1.0.3 and the box has everything that I need. I gave up automatic updates and some nVidia tools I was not using. I am not a gamer and I wanted the Shield for media. It does a nice job with Kodi on my 4K TV. I am Prime Video user and 4K works nicely. I would assume that Netflix would be the same. The install of full Android is tricky but doable. Another reason for rooting and installing full Android is that I use TWRP for Recovery. I have both stock 5.0.2 and rooted 5.0.2 on backup for Recovery if 1.3 goes south.
cjeman said:
After buying and configuring a few Android TV boxes, I decided on a Shield that would do 99% of what I want in a Android TV box that I would not have to root, etc. I found that the leanback launcher was less than desirable, the lack of Notification/Tool bars, Shield only apps on Playstore and some other annoying issues, I installed the developers copy of Shield TV (5.0.2) and found no way to have Notifications, etc. I have since installed full Android 1.0.3 and the box has everything that I need. I gave up automatic updates and some nVidia tools I was not using. I am not a gamer and I wanted the Shield for media. It does a nice job with Kodi on my 4K TV. I am Prime Video user and 4K works nicely. I would assume that Netflix would be the same. The install of full Android is tricky but doable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you ever tried running console emulators ? Also, I'm thinking of getting the Minix A2 remote for having a keyboard and it's air mouse functionality. Have you tried any air mouse on the Shield ?
No. I use a Logitech K400 wireless keyboard/mouse pad combo. I have read that air mice are not an issue.
You can do all three things you're after on Android TV. Is there something else that makes you want to have mobile Android?
JohnRossJennings said:
You can do all three things you're after on Android TV. Is there something else that makes you want to have mobile Android?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with John here too. You can do all three of your requests on the stock shield TV without rooting and custom ROMs. In fact the .emu emulators from Robert work great and use the shield controller perfectly.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
I do all what you want to do with my shield, without even rooting. Go for it, it deserves every penny.
abo_mara7 said:
I do all what you want to do with my shield, without even rooting. Go for it, it deserves every penny.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've made up my mind to go for the shield. For $40 extra (over the $160 priced Minix U9), I get a much more powerful system and is gets OS upgrades down the road. The only thing I was worried about was installing android apks and having to go through a very cumbersome path of launching them every time. Is there a way now to launch apps directly from the home screen ? If I can do that, I don't see a reason to even install full android OS.
medwatt said:
I've made up my mind to go for the shield. For $40 extra (over the $160 priced Minix U9), I get a much more powerful system and is gets OS upgrades down the road. The only thing I was worried about was installing android apks and having to go through a very cumbersome path of launching them every time. Is there a way now to launch apps directly from the home screen ? If I can do that, I don't see a reason to even install full android OS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can side load and then use chainfires sideload launcher to open them. Works pretty good. The sideload launcher is on the Android TV play store. Also es file explorer is available to help sideload apks. You can also transfer apks over your network using a computer or download from apkmirror. All with the stock out of the box os.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
No point what so ever in using a crappy 3rd party launcher. There's an app in the play store to put side loaded apps on the lean back launcher home screen
techjunky90 said:
No point what so ever in using a crappy 3rd party launcher. There's an app in the play store to put side loaded apps on the lean back launcher home screen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What app is that? Would love to try it!
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Acid0057 said:
What app is that? Would love to try it!
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think its called WBS App Drawer. Its available on the Shield Google Playstore and its free.
Works very well.
medwatt said:
I've made up my mind to go for the shield. For $40 extra (over the $160 priced Minix U9), I get a much more powerful system and is gets OS upgrades down the road. The only thing I was worried about was installing android apks and having to go through a very cumbersome path of launching them every time. Is there a way now to launch apps directly from the home screen ? If I can do that, I don't see a reason to even install full android OS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First, install Opera browser (there's TV version from Opera, use this one if you use the remote, else use the regular version, better with the controller. Please note that the controller's right stick will work as a mouse)
TV Version:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-player/themes-apps/opera-tv-browser-2-0-t3543518
Regular version:
http://www.apkmirror.com/apk/opera-software-asa/opera/opera-42-8-2246-118317-release/
if you got opera, you can sideload any app from there.
After you've sideloaded your apps, install TV App Repo (
@Acid0057):
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=news.androidtv.tvapprepo.playstore
There you'll find all your sideloaded apps, and from there, you can create shortcuts for them in your main screen.
And I second your statement, no need for full Android OS.
To answer a previous question from you, I've installed the following emulators:
Play! (Too slow, still in early stage I guess)
Dolphin (Some games works pretty well, you just need to play with the settings)
PPSSPP (Works very well in HD)
FPSE (I've switched to OpenGL from settings and set the resolution to HD and it works greatly)
GPA.emu (work very well)
Those are the ones I tried, Arc Browser app is good to combine all emulator games in one place.
Also, some Android games although they're listed as not supporting Android TV, they indeed are. For example, LIMPO.
Also if you want to stream games from your PC and you don't meet Nvidia's GameStream requirements, you can try Remotr:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.remotrapp.remotr
Simple app, setup is the easiest, and the controller will work out of the box, actually all you need to do is to install the app on the shield and the server app on your pc.
Those are some of the tips to maximize your experience.
abo_mara7 said:
First, install Opera browser (there's TV version from Opera, use this one if you use the remote, else use the regular version, better with the controller. Please note that the controller's right stick will work as a mouse)
TV Version:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-player/themes-apps/opera-tv-browser-2-0-t3543518
Regular version:
http://www.apkmirror.com/apk/opera-software-asa/opera/opera-42-8-2246-118317-release/
if you got opera, you can sideload any app from there.
After you've sideloaded your apps, install TV App Repo (
@Acid0057):
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=news.androidtv.tvapprepo.playstore
There you'll find all your sideloaded apps, and from there, you can create shortcuts for them in your main screen.
And I second your statement, no need for full Android OS.
To answer a previous question from you, I've installed the following emulators:
Play! (Too slow, still in early stage I guess)
Dolphin (Some games works pretty well, you just need to play with the settings)
PPSSPP (Works very well in HD)
FPSE (I've switched to OpenGL from settings and set the resolution to HD and it works greatly)
GPA.emu (work very well)
Those are the ones I tried, Arc Browser app is good to combine all emulator games in one place.
Also, some Android games although they're listed as not supporting Android TV, they indeed are. For example, LIMPO.
Also if you want to stream games from your PC and you don't meet Nvidia's GameStream requirements, you can try Remotr:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.remotrapp.remotr
Simple app, setup is the easiest, and the controller will work out of the box, actually all you need to do is to install the app on the shield and the server app on your pc.
Those are some of the tips to maximize your experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for those tips. And on the plus side when you stay stock, update will be a lot easier!
shenzhou said:
I think its called WBS App Drawer. Its available on the Shield Google Playstore and its free.
Works very well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
I disagree with @techjunky90, as I found the stock leanback launcher very lacking. The recommendations bar got really annoying, and even when I disabled it, it wouldn't go away. Also, only two rows of app icons and having to scroll to the right to find stuff wasn't the most ideal setup. I prefer the simplicity and customization capabilities of TV Launcher to be perfect for my needs. So I uninstalled the leanback launcher, and use use TV Launcher, and I couldn't be happier in regards to that.
I'm on unrooted stock Android TV 5.2, btw.
greevedogg said:
I disagree with @techjunky90, as I found the stock leanback launcher very lacking. The recommendations bar got really annoying, and even when I disabled it, it wouldn't go away. Also, only two rows of app icons and having to scroll to the right to find stuff wasn't the most ideal setup. I prefer the simplicity and customization capabilities of TV Launcher to be perfect for my needs. So I uninstalled the leanback launcher, and use use TV Launcher, and I couldn't be happier in regards to that.
I'm on unrooted stock Android TV 5.2, btw.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good point but the original recommendation stands. There is no reason to install a custom recovery and full Android os. The stock unrooted shield os works fine in most use cases.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
If you are a gamer and love it to play mobile games on TV, the most Games wouldn't run, because NVidia has not implemented the from Shield Tablet well-known gamepad mapper. If this little Tool would be available for Shield TV, you really don't need a full Android.
Gesendet von meinem E6653 mit Tapatalk
Are the mobile games you are referring to games like family feud live?
I have the nvidia shield tv and I would really like to be able to play these games on there but do not know how. I search for them but they don't come up. Only can get them on my galaxy phone. Is it possible to get these on the tv? If so, How? Thanks in advance.
search for your wanted games in google, type the game then apk. do this on a pc or phone. download them. plug a usb drive into your computer or phone via otg and then plug the usb with apk onto the shield then browse for them via es file explorer. enjoy
I have an old HP 22 android monitor in my kitchen and love the "ok google" capability, the apps (250+ card game and Spectrum cable app) that don't work on stock shield. I am worried about it OS at 4.4.4 and want to update but Android TV seems to lack a lot of functionality I would want that full android would have. I have a shield and would like to use it but not sure the touch would work anymore if I usb the monitor back into the shield (I can use mouse and keyboard as alternative). This is why I would want full android.
Hello guys! We just bought this Philips TV and was not aware it is using this Saphi OS instead of the Android OS we usually find on Android TVs. I have some questions about this TV.
1.) Any users of the OS that have find several key apps that works well with the TV? (e.g. Netflix, Youtube and other useful apps)
2.) Do you know if this OS was just recently implemented and hopefully get better even if it is intended for entry level TVs? The firmware on my TV was made on June 2019 even if it is just built on Android 6.0.
There's no option on exchanging the TV and since most users are not tech savvy, I'm focused more on using it to its full potential.
Same Prob
Same here. We just bought the same tv yesterday and we were told it was an android tv. Netflix was installed manually from a usb flashdrive and youtube. Youtube was working but Im having an error in the Netflix.
I hope there's a fix on this. The TV is great, but we need netflix.
Hi,
what is the exact version of the firmware... can you check the customer service menu? press 123654 in TV mode... you can flip pages by up/down...
[email protected]
Philips Smart TV Firmware
Toengel said:
Hi,
what is the exact version of the firmware... can you check the customer service menu? press 123654 in TV mode... you can flip pages by up/down...
[email protected]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sir, this is the specs of the TV
Android Version: 6.0
Software Version: V1.0.5
Model 40PFT5883/71
UI: Philips One UX
Saphi OS to Android TV would be amazing. I'd rather pay for development of such cfw/rom then buying extra device like Chromecast/TV box. Saphi OS is very non user friendly, video player is powerful but with very limited options with subtitles (no load option), apps are limited and few.
40fpt5883 complete Android solution available
I have a complete solution of this model, new Android Rom available for this tv. If there anyone want Rom contact me..
New launcher, stock YouTube, Netflix, prime video, stock Android TV play store, hotstar, with great gui
How exactly can I do that?
Addy1212 said:
I have a complete solution of this model, new Android Rom available for this tv. If there anyone want Rom contact me..
New launcher, stock YouTube, Netflix, prime video, stock Android TV play store, hotstar, with great gui
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am getting a Saphi Based Philips tomorrow and I would love to know how to get other stuff running (install apk's and stuff) please reach out to me.
Hi,
on Saphi you CANNOT sideload any "APK"... it is linux based, not Android TV based...
[email protected]
Toengel said:
Hi,
on Saphi you CANNOT sideload any "APK"... it is linux based, not Android TV based...
[email protected]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
actually, mine runs on android 6.0 just for your information.
Hi,
but then this is not a SAPHI Philips TV...
[email protected]
May I ask how to get it?
i need new launcher... please assist
Addy1212 said:
40fpt5883 complete Android solution available
I have a complete solution of this model, new Android Rom available for this tv. If there anyone want Rom contact me..
New launcher, stock YouTube, Netflix, prime video, stock Android TV play store, hotstar, with great gui
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello sir can you help me for my TV unit 40PFT5883/71 badly needed sofware update sir...